Rees is back in the front-row alongside prop Adam Jones as the coaching team make just three changes to the starting line-up that defeated Connacht Rugby in dramatic fashion in the last league game.

The final change sees Lucas Amorosino called onto the wing with Argentine international team-mate Joaquin Tuculet ruled out of the game with a hand injury.

Manoa Vosawai returns among the replacements alongside prop Scott Andrews after his second half appearance for Wales in the Six Nations victory over Italy.

"This game is important to us and we are looking forward to the challenge of going to the Kingspan," said attack coach Paul John.

"We need to apply ourselves to an important game and get the maximum points we can from the rest of this season.

"There are only a few weeks left and we want to finish on a high. It's important we have momentum and are positive for the rest of this season. Ulster is a difficult place to go but we are looking forward to the test."

Form: Ulster's four game winning run in all competitions ended in Newport in the last round of the Guinness PRO12. The Ulstermen have won all eight home games they have played in the PRO12 this season – their most recent reversal in Belfast in the competition being to Leinster on 2nd May. Cardiff Blues have won their last two games, at home to Edinburgh and Connacht, but have not won three in a row in the tournament since last May. The Blues only victory away from home in the PRO12 since round 1 came on a trip to Newport Gwent Dragons on New Year's Day. Ulster have won four of their last five contests with the Blues whilst Cardiff Blues have not been victorious Kingspan Stadium since April 2010.